real estate appraisers (days on market, refinance, loan)

[MT4ever]

They say you should not use the appraiser recommended by your real estate agent, so can anyone recommend a really good real estate appraiser, and what do they usually charge?

[Marilyn Bell]

What are you getting an appraisal for? The rules have very recently changed regarding appraisals. Agents, and even loan officers, now often do not know who the appraiser would be on a purchase or refinance. You may have no control over who appraises your home, unless you just want an appraisal for your own use. However, appraisals are not really indicative of a homes market value (although they are trying to get better about this). If you just want to have a good idea what your home is worth, ask an agent to do a CMA for you. You can look at all the comparable properties and see the sold prices, sold prices per square foot, days on market etc. So you will have all the information to make your own judgment. By looking at all the data behind an agent's CMA you'll know if the number is accurate, or if the comparables weren't truly comparable. If you're trying to refinance or finance you may have no control over the appraisal.

[denawilliams]

Right, things have definitely changed in the appraisal realm as of very recently. If you are getting a loan for a home purchase/refi, you won't have control over who does it. They will take care of ordering it, but again, they have no control over who does it, when it really gets done (some closings are getting delayed because of this new process), and any communication around it.